Limkokwing University’s Graduation Ceremony July 2010

May I begin by thanking each and everyone for being here to share with us this occasion, especially parents and guardians of our graduands. Many of us will carry memories of this day for a long time to come.

Class of 2010, may I now extend to each and every one of you my warmest congratulations. You have no idea how proud I am of what you have achieved.

The proudest people here today must surely be the parents. You will recall the first days when your small children left on their own to start schooling.

That may now seem like just yesterday. But it would have been some fifteen years or more. It has been a long journey.

I want to thank you for allowing us to share in that journey. I also want you to know that your children have worked hard to be here today. Because we have not made it easy for them, you should be so proud of them.

Class 2010,

When some of you first arrived at this campus, I spoke to welcome you. Let me quote what I said then:

Today I speak for the first time before you as you begin this part of your life’s journey with us. Three years from now, God willing, I shall be standing in front of you again to speak for the last time before you take leave of us on your graduation day.

I have said you would be surprised by how much you could do, how fast you could move, how high you could fly.

I have said nothing would make me happier than to see everyone of you succeed the way you wanted to succeed, to see you become the people other people would admire and want to emulate.

That day has come only too quickly. You have no idea how much it means to me, how proud I am, to see you graduate.

Class of 2010,

It has been a privilege to have you with us. You have been a source of pride and inspiration to us all.

The boundless energy and vibrancy that you have brought to this university, your amazing sense of style and soaring spirit of creativity, the fun and laughter you have brought to this campus – all that will be missed with your departure.

Class of 2010,

The future will always be about making possible what seems impossible today. It will always be about making dreams come true.

Every step you take will either take you closer to your dreams, or move you away from them. You will do well to make the best use of every single day and every opportunity that comes your way.

As you already know, the future has always been and will always be defined by people who have an unwavering sense of purpose, an unshakeable sense of accomplishment.

These are people who would never take the easy way out because they always have bigger goals in mind to accomplish. They will move mountains or build mountains if that’s what they have to do.

In pushing beyond the ordinary, they achieve extraordinary success. In doing what they do, they transform societies, and influence the way of life of millions across the world.

The future will forever be about making the impossible possible.

Class of 2010,

Let me now tell you something that you already know.
All recent phenomenal footprints made in cyberspace, including Yahoo, Google, Facebook and Twitter have one thing in common; they were created by very young people when they were barely out of school.

If they could create such footprints, so could you. Give yourself a purpose, load yourself up with all the energy you could find, and get on with making the impossible possible. You are already empowered with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.

Your future is whatever you design it to be.

Your future is now in your hands.

Class of 2010, as you move forward, you must never forget the many who have along the way given you strength and support. The people who were always there to lift you up whenever you were feeling down, to move you forward whenever you were falling behind.

To them, you will always show kindness and gratitude.

Most of all, you will never forget the never-ending support and caring of your parents. You know what enormous sacrifices they would have made just so you may have the secured opportunity to prepare and build your own future.

Upon your parents, you must forever shower love and affection.

Class of 2010,

I want to thank you for the life you have brought to this campus, the humour, the vivacious, pounding spirit that is apparent in all that you do, in all of you.

You have endeared yourselves to us all and risen to face every challenge as role models.

You have broken records and surpassed expectations at every corner, becoming known for your own brand of style and humility to all, in and out of this country.

We will forever miss the charm you so warmly exude, and this, we know you will forever keep.

You must know, that this will forever be your home. It does not matter how far away you will be from us, we will always be here, watching, and applauding, your every achievement. You will always be a part of us. We will always be proud of you.

On that note and on behalf of all of us, I bid you farewell.

May this journey that you have started with us take you to the tops of your worlds, and may your futures be filled with accomplishments and complete happiness.